How konalu started their logo design journey

Company name

konalu

Overview

We are product designers who come up with innovative ideas to everyday problems. The brand name konalu comes from our dogs names: Kona and Lucy. I have attached some pictures of them. We feel like there are 2 kinds of product for pets currently. Fashion products that are just different color versions of things that already exist and functional products that solve problems, but dont really have any style. We are interested in solving problems with style.
As a company konalu is a place where you can bring your dog to work, take a break in the middle of the day to go outside to play, and create great products that the solve problems and look great.

Tell us a bit about who you are and the people you reach

Must Love Dogs - Cats too! Primarily focussed at dog owners in urban city environments that may get out for an occasional hike in the woods on the weekends. Young adults that may have 2 dogs instead of 2 kids. Active pet parents. We're not really interested in the toy poodle that you carry in your purse. Dogs should be dogs and they should be having fun while bringing enjoyment to our lives.

Look at how the honda element and subaru outback are targeted to pet owners. We would definetely fit that same target market.

My guarantee to you as one designer to another - I'll give constructive feedback along the way to guide the designs. I'll watch out for people copying other peoples ideas. Its ok to be inspired, but if you copy someone I'll eliminate you. I'll pay you when the contest ends and I wont jerk you around to get more revisions colorways etc. (as some people do on here)
I'll require the final file in Illustrator CS3 .ai or EPS format.

Requirements

We need a logo for the konalu brand. At first we will be using it on leashes and collars so it should fit onto that format. Typically it would be on 1" wide webbing. I think a rectangular format would work best, but I am open to anything. I would like to focus on the word konalu and making that look as good as possible. Creating an icon to go along with the word is acceptable, but the word should be the main focus. I like the idea of somehow breaking up the word konalu with color or some other deisgn elements so that kona and lu are differentiated. I like this because the company is named after our 2 dogs kona and lucy.
Most of all the style should be modern and playful. We want to look like we have fun, but dont want to look too childlike or "cutesy"

I have taken a shot at this logo myself and I am ok with it, but I fully believe there is a better answer out there. . If you wish to work from this logo it is fine, but I am also interested in seeing new ideas. To view the logo go to konalu.com
As you can see it doesnt fit the rectangular format. That is why I am having this contest. I cant seem to get this logo to look good when it is on a leash so I would like to explore other ideas.